I AM AN IRONMAN!!!!!!

A week ago yesterday, I became an Ironman. I joined this illustrious group of hard working, dedicated and sometimes a little nutty athletes. This has been a dream of mine since 1982. Why 1982? Well, I saw ABC’s “World Wide of Sports” broadcast of Ironman and saw Julie Moss crawl to the finish line. I thought to myself, “I will do this one day.” Needless to say, it would be years down the road before any of this would begin. I had to learn how to swim and I did. Let’s fast forward to the day before the big day with the practice swim. We get to Tempe Town Lake and it is time to squoosh myself into my wetsuit. Don’t let anyone tell you that everyone looks good in a wetsuit. It’s a lie, all lies!!!! I decided to wear my neoprene swim cap under my regular swim cap thinking that the water would be cold as it was last year but I did not have my neoprene booties due to my cat chewing a hole in them before I left. I jumped into the lake and was pleasantly surprised that the water was cold but doable. I treaded water for a while and started swimming. I got kicked, slapped and swam over but I was okay. I felt that I could have swam forever. When I go out, I decided that I would not wear my neoprene swim cap and I would just wear 2 caps and ear plugs. We went back to hotel after lunch to pick up our bikes and gear bags to drop off. I hopped on my bike and everything felt as okay as it could. Dropped off my bike and got ready for dinner with my team. To say that I was eerily calm was an understatement. I have never felt so calm which meant either everything would go well or I would crash and burn. Race Morning: I woke up at I think 4am or so and proceeded to get ready. I had my prerace oatmeal and the Skratch Labs Cinnamon Apple hydration mix (you drink it hot) and just stayed quiet like I normally do on race morning. We proceeded to make our walk to the race site and I had my iPod on listening to Jill Scott’s version of “Lovely Day” and the entire “Purple Rain” soundtrack. I needed to just ignore all of the nervous energy and get ready for an epic day. I got to my bike and had my tires topped up along with filling all of my bottles. Once I was done, I walked over to my gear bags for one final look to make sure everything was okay. Now it was time to put on my wetsuit and stand in the Portapotty line. I mean, there is NEVER enough whenever I race. I know that there is an awesome algorithm that I can created to insure that there are more than enough but alas, that’s not happening. While trying to stay calm, I ran into a friend of mine and I proceeded to almost cry. Almost. He reassured me that I would finish. Ran into another friend and I guess it was hug the crap out of Joy day because I guess I looked like a deer in headlights again. Finally, I can go to the can. Whew! Relief. But, I had to run and drop off my special needs bags. That was taken care of and then it was time to drop off the morning clothes bag and get ready for the swim. As soon as I put my goggles on, they snapped. Oh shit! Thank God I had another pair of goggles in my morning clothes bag. Thank you to the volunteer who helped me out. Got in line and was alternating between hydrating and pouring water down my wetsuit to warm up. Now, it was the moment of truth. Drop off my glasses and get ready to jump in the water and wait….. The Swim I inched my way towards the front as much as I could. I took a deep breath and got ready for battle, aka Ironman swim start. The cannon went off and it was time to rock and roll. The first 200 yards or so, I was kicked, grabbed and swam over but I held my ground. I did kick a guy in the face because I guess he thought that he could a free ride grabbing onto my ankles. No buddy! I started passing buoy after buoy and I was ecstatic. I wasn’t going the pace that I hoped but I didn’t care. I was doing this. On my 3rd round of sighting, I saw the big red blurry thing which was the turn buoy. Everything is a blur without my glasses on. It was a bottleneck. Guys were shoving me and I shoved back. I finally saw the orange buoys and it was time to head home. Now at this point last year, I was pulling due to my legs seizing up. This did not happen! I kept swimming and smiling and breathing. Oh, and don’t forget inhaling diesel fumes. Yummy!!!! This would come back to haunt me. Once I passed the under the bridge, I knew I had about 200/300 yards to go. I started picking up my pace but then it happened. A migraine hit me. I decided to ignore and kept swimming. I picked up my kick and was hauling ass. I made it to the steps. I popped my bum on the steps and was helped out of the water by some awesome volunteers. I started unzipping my wetsuit and the next set of volunteers were there to strip off my wetsuit. I was so friggin’ happy that I almost forgot my glasses. Swim done, 2 more to go. T1 (transition from swim to bike) I made the decision to not change into another pair of tri shorts. I’ll wait until T2. I did have some chicken broth because I was cold as hell. I was shivering badly-same thing that happened last year but not to where I was blue. I threw on my compression sleeves, socks, cycling shoes, camelbak, race belt and helmet and was ready to take on the bike. The Bike I finally mounted my bike and I took off. Let me tell you a secret-I don’t like the bike. Maybe it is due to having a bike that is not the right size, maybe it’s my own little insecurities, but I would rather have a longer swim and run. : P I’m riding along and after the first aid station around mile 15 or so, I heard the whoosh. It is similar to be a quarterback and hearing footsteps before you are knocked out. It was a group of professionals riding with their disc wheels in a peloton. Umm, hello??? There is NO DRAFTING IN IRONMAN PEOPLE!!! You are to be 4 bike lengths behind the closest biker in front of you. If you are in their “draft” zone, you have 20 seconds to overtake them which means that they have to fall back, which is what I did. I read the rules forward, backwards and upside down. Anyway, back to the bike. Around mile 30, I had to get off the bike...not due to being in pain, I had to throw up. Not good...Got back on the bike. I would do this 4 more times and I think it may have been from inhaling diesel fumes or my nutrition plans A and B not working in my favor. I make the first loop and it was a tight turn. Every time I had to make that tight turn, I would scream, “Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit….HOT DAMN, I didn’t fall!” No really. On the turn going into the 2nd half of loop 2, I slowed down considerably, made the turn, grabbed a water bottle but proceed to see a guy kiss the pavement, literally due to dehydration and just going to fast/not paying attention to the volunteers. There were a lot of accidents on this bike course, but you have to be hyper aware of your surroundings along with staying on your nutrition/hydration plan. Once I made it to around mile 67, I stopped for my Special needs bag. Some people put special treats, extra water bottles, more Butt Butter or Ride Glide. I had 2 new water bottles, a Coca Cola (don’t judge) and Gummy Lifesavers. Can I tell you that was the best damn pop in history! It was fabulous. Now back on the bike: I made the turnaround for my last loop (3 loop course-remember) and I started doing the math and then I started to smile. I was going to make the bike cutoff with plenty of time to spare. I was the HAPPIEST BIKER in the world. Why??? I didn’t make the cutoff last year. I make the turnaround and when I saw mile 100, I knew it was just a little while longer. It was the LONGEST 12 miles ever but I was still smiling. I got towards the bike dismount line and I was ecstatic. The volunteers asked me if I wanted anything off of my bike. My response, “You can throw it in Tempe Town Lake for all I care.” T2 (transition from bike to run) I picked up my run gear and ran into the changing tent. Some of my friends were in the tent and of course I was giddy. I changed into my running skirt, visor, running shoes and socks and of course, I had to pick out my hair. I slapped on my hydration belt and it was off to run. Can I tell you how happy I was to run. I’m not fast and I’m not slow but I will get it done. I ran past the TriMonster tent and saw some more friends and was just happy and smiling. At around mile 4, I handed the clip on part to my glasses to one of my friends since it was getting dark. Up ahead, there was the next batch of friends asking me how I was doing. Of course, I was happy and hungry. Damn 140.6 miles of racing will do that to you. Being a 2 loop course messes with your head since you will see mile 18, before you see mile 6, but whatever. I was making friends on the course, finding out where people were from, singing songs in my head….you know, a typical Joy thing to do. On the turnaround for loop #2, I didn’t need my special needs bag so I kept going. Mile 15 was when I rolled my ankle. Clumsy me, and I was starting to get tired and everything was hurting. I kept going. The volunteers made everything so much better. I had to start walking at mile 18 but started to do a run/walk. Potato chips, water, banana and pop became my favorites foods at that point. I was slowing down but I kept moving. 8 more miles...Then mile 25 showed up along with my partner in crime. He was running beside me and reality started to sink in. I was going to be an Ironman. I had to walk a little, run a little but I was going to make it. He showed me wear his girlfriend had wrote in chalk on the sidewalk since I didn’t see it the first time. I almost lost it! I kept going, one foot in front of the other. My body was in sheer pain-everything hurt and then I saw the lights of the finish chute... It felt as if the whole weight of the world had fallen on me. The emotion that I felt cannot be described by words alone. It wouldn’t do it justice...just the amount of hours I spent training, working, lack of sleep, the self doubt, everything came crashing down. Once Mike Reilly said, “Joy, You Are An Ironman!” everything was all good but that’s not the best part...Mike Reilly led me back to the finishing chute and had the crowd say to me, “Joy, You are an Ironman!” and Jordan Rapp, professional Triathlete, awesome guy, placed my medal around my neck! I do have to admit that crossing the finish line was the best thing in the world. The volunteers were just AMAZING and can I tell you that I had the world’s best french fries EVER. Once I sat down, I started shivering because I got very cold all of a sudden. A volunteer gave me her sweatshirt and I was so thankful to her. But, she was thanking me for being there and crossing the finish line as a person of color. The After Show It’s the only way to describe it. After I hobbled to get my morning clothes bag and my other gear, we went to Loco Patron. We stayed for a while and it was kind of surreal on people who knew me because of my finish. I was so humbled. When we finally got back to the hotel, I had to take a shower. That is where I discovered that my wetsuit chafed the living crap out of my neck - it never did that before and that was with body glide along with my heart rate monitor cutting my wrist and the timing chip cutting the front of my lower leg. But that is ok, because I had a pint of Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream waiting for me and I went to bed an a Ironman finisher. I just want to thank everyone who believed in me even when there were times throughout this year that I didn't. I want to especially thank FFC- where I work and train, TriMonster, Team to End AIDS, Chicago Tri Club, Team Dream, Sole Tri Sisters, Team Bright Pink, the Miles family (hey, I have to live up to my last name), all of the volunteers on the course and just everyone who wished me such great juju, good luck, prayers, etc. It meant the world to me!!!!! Thank you, thank you and thank you... This is the end of this blog but my new blog will be debuting soon (same URL but new title). It will still be my adventures in multisport but also will mark my return to marathon (in February) and going back to Arizona to improve on my time and changing some things up. I hope that in the new year my migraines disappear. That's all folks!

6 Days: I AM ATHLETE 995

In 6 days, I will be toeing the line at Ironman Arizona. It has been a long journey which started for me, last year when I didn't make the bike cutoff. I have been on this mission that I will train, train, train and will cross that finish line. I have learned a lot about myself throughout this journey. Along the way, this is what happened: *I have deleted people out of my life (very negative) *Met some amazingly fabulous people(very positive) *Learned to love the bike (I am a headcase while riding) *Found inner peace swimming and running *Ran through more swimsuits than humanly allowed unless you are an Olympian *Worked more hours than humanly possible (I admit, I AM A WORKAHOLIC) *Slept less than most teenagers *Have a new appreciation for Caffeine, chomps, Mark Bars (oh my GOD!!!!!) and Peanut Butter filled Pretzels I have faced my fear of the bike, I have squeezed in every bit of training on my plan, even if it meant working out at 3am. Luckily, the fitness facility that I work at is 24 hours. Currently, I am trying to cram 7 days of working (I work 7 days a week) into 4 days since I fly out this Thursday. I just came back from the USAT Level I coaching clinic so my brain is FRIED, but now it is time to refocus. Am I nervous? No-I am eerily calm. Maybe its because I know what to expect, maybe I have no undue pressure riding on me this year, I don't know to be quite honest. We will see. Just to think that all of this craziness started because I watched World Wide of Sports in 1982 and saw Julie Moss crawl to the finish line..."A champion is someone who gets up, even when they can't." - Natalie Rogers

20 days: Begin the taper....

So I have 20 days remaining before I compete at Ironman Arizona. How am I feeling? Excited, stressed, anxious, tired, overwhelmed, relieved...well, you get the picture. This past week was Peak Week of training and I was a total head case. Not because of training, but work as well. I have been burning the candle on both ends for a LONG TIME and it is now catching up. Some highlights of Peak Week: Monday: 1 hour swim Tuesday: 75 minute CompuTrainer + 30 min Run in the rain + 15 minutes of strength training Wednesday: 60 minute swim (almost 2 miles) + 55 minute run in the cold and a 15 min strength training Thursday: Another 75 minute CompuTrainer + a 60 minute run and a 30 minute strength training which became 45 minutes of Pilates Friday: 96 minute swim (well, that became 5, 338 yards in a 17 yard pool for you guessed it-157 laps or 3.032 miles in a time of 1 hour and 40 odd minutes) Saturday: 2.4 mile swim (1:14:09) and a total of 63 miles biking and 1 mile of running. 30 minutes of strength was attempting pushups, squats and lunges (oh it was NOT pretty) and then I passed out once I got home from another swim practice that I help coach Sunday: 11 mile run at 4 am in the morning. My body hates me, I'm cranky and tired and I am ready for Arizona! Bring it!! Emotionally, I am a total wreck. This is sooo worse than PMS. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And to top it off, one of my suitcases is packed since I have to fly to North Carolina a week before for the USAT Level I Coaching Certification in Raleigh, NC. But you know what made Saturday's workout? Listening to Prince Radio on Pandora and singing along with my training partners. So, stressed out...not at all!!! Now it is time to get into serious GLADIATOR MODE!!! Please be nice to me and don't make me cry. And if you touch my food or coffee...you may or may not have a hand...

34 days: Kona/Chicago/Numb Toes

I have 34 days or basically 5 weeks minus 1 day to toe the line of Ironman Arizona. I was suppose to publish this post last night but I was so exhausted from the marathon. I didn't run the marathon but I was there in the capacity of coach/cheerleader/motivator. Hence, why I have no voice today. So, what's been going on this week. Well......Let's get into the stupid shit that did in order to prepare for Ironman. 1. Monday: I did a 60-minute swim with Coach Allan. I feel like we have made some more progress in my swimming. 2. Tuesday: The workout called for a 75 minute CompuTrainer, 30 minute brick run and 15 minutes of strength. So the 75-minute CompuTrainer class was on tap so I thought, instead of running 30 minutes on a treadmill and 15 minutes of strength, I decided to run back to FFC East Lakeview with a 30lb backpack on my back. That's strength training, right? Stupid shit that I do for training but I also had to go back to work. It makes sense to me.... 3. Wednesday: 60 minute swim and a 90 minute swim + 15 minutes strength. In order to get these 2 workouts in, I decided to go to the gym at 4am in the morning. I know that you are probably thinking, that girl is cray cray. yes, I am! Next question. I had to get it in since my schedule was a little crazy with all of the coaching/teaching/training that I have to do throughout the day so this is what I had to do. In the evening I went home to do my 90 minute run and 15 minutes of strength training which consisted of 20 pushups/20 squats/20 lunges/20 burpees 3 sets with a 30 second rest in between each set. 4. Thursday: 60 min run and 30 min strength. You know what, I scrapped the run since I was going to run 18 miles on Friday. 30 minutes of strength was actually 45 minutes of Pilates Mat and another CompuTrainer class (I told y'all that biking is my weakness). 5. Friday: Stupid Shit Done on Fridays-18 mile run and a long swim. Well, I did the 18 mile run since I was not going to jump into the Marathon on Sunday since I had to work. Why take away from my athletes? I ran the first 6 and then spoke with my partner in crime in Endurance at the Lake for a few before I finished the final 12. Went back to work to shower, change and get ready for another client. when that client did not come in, I went back out to the Lake. Oh SFD! (Shit Fuck Damn). That water was cold. I went for a swim with a full wetsuit (love my Orca) but without my neoprene swim cap, ear plugs or booties! He head was fine since my afro acts as a natural insulator but my feet turned blue from the cold water (58-60 degrees). I was able to swim for an hour, not 2 as it was in my schedule. My feet would not have feeling again until late that evening. 6. Saturday: Kona viewing party!!! Also known as 100 miles in CompuTrainer and 5 miles of running on a treadmill. Well, that is now what happened. it was more like 85 miles and a 5 mile run on the treadmill. 20+ miles in I had a flat on the back tire...WHAT THE FUCK? Almost broke a finger trying to getting that fucking tire off (my tires are very difficult to remove). After spending what seemed like a lifetime fixing it with Chris' help (felt like a very stupid girl), got back on the bike. The Kona broadcast was not on yet, but I was okay. We got off the bikes and went to the treadmill to run 1 or 2 miles. I ran 2 miles. The only way to get through a treadmill run of any distance is to listen to Eminem or Bob Marley's "Exodus". Hopped back on again and finally the broadcast was on. Made it 50 miles with more issues with my back tire and back to the treadmill. This time I did 1.5 miles on the treadmill. Came back to ride again. I knew I was getting dizzy and seeing spots but tried to ignore it. Well, Mr. Migraine decided to show up. I had to get off the bike and just sit for a while trying to will it away. That shit didn't work! I got back on and made it to 85 miles but knew I was running out of time since I had to go to a Marathon dinner for my Team Bright Pink Runners. I went another 1.5 miles on the treadmill and proceeded to throw up afterwards (that happens sometimes with my migraines). Do you know how much that sucks? A whole hell of a lot. After looking like a human again (showering and putting on real clothes), I went to the dinner and was so happy to be surrounded by all my athletes. Those preparing for their first marathon and those getting ready for their 10th. After the dinner, I finally got home and collapsed. That's how tired I was but I woke up 2 hours later to eat AGAIN!!! Now this leads into Sunday and the Chicago Marathon. I was so happy and proud of my runners that trained with us but also all of the other thousands of runners. Like I stated in my Facebook post, there's something magical about the marathon. It's better than Disney World! Just seeing people of all shapes, sizes and color pushing, sprinting (Kenyans), running and walking. It just makes me so happy with my choice of fitness as my career! Now what's next? RECOVERY WEEK!!!! Oh, I need a voice (it's shot), a nap and another head since my migraine is killing me today! That's enough with my rambling...

41 Days: GLADIATOR!!!!!

“Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy” - Lao Tzu This quote really struck a chord within me. After the ups and downs like a roller coaster that I have felt, I feel a little better now. I have 6 weeks before I toe the line at Ironman Arizona and EVERYTHING that can be thrown at me, it has. From lack of sleep, not eating enough, working too much, training a lot, it is getting to me but you know what? I ain't got time for that! This next 3 weeks is going to be ROUGH!! That's why I am nicknaming this period of my training GLADIATOR mode!!! I have to think of this training as a battle everyday with my dysfunctional work, eat and sleep schedule. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel but it is soooo far away. My swimming is improving(thank you Allan and Derrick), running is my thing (Run Joy Run). I may be slow but damn it I can still chase your ass down. : P Now let's talk about what scares the ever loving crap out of me (besides CLOWNS) is the bike. I have a plan (A, B, C and D) in order to tackle the bike depending on how my swim goes. I know it's in my hed but HELL, its 112 miles on a bike where my seat is about 4 inches wide. No, really. Oh, and did I forget to say that it may be HOT in Arizona. I guess I can work on that most fabulous tan, right?? Let me stop all of this rambling. This week calls for: Monday: 60 minute swim Tuesday: 75 minute CompuTrainer class followed by a 30 minute run (Brick) and a 15 min Strength session Wednesday: 60 minutes of swimming, 90 minutes of running and 15 minutes of strength Thursday: 60 minutes of running and 30 minutes of Strength (add in that I take a 2nd CompuTrainer class on this day) Friday: 2 hours of swimming Saturday: Kona viewing party in CompuTrainer (400 minutes biking ~ 6 1/2 hours) + 50 minutes of running and 15 minutes of Strength Sunday: 180 minutes of running + 15 minutes of strength. Okay, here comes my creativity in my plan. This Sunday is the Chicago Marathon which I have to work and cheer on my athletes sooo, I am running 18 miles on Friday (my work schedule is cray cray this week). My 2 hour swim is happening at an ungodly time on Friday just to get it in unless I do it on Thursday. Whew!! I think that is it for now soo, I am going to find some food before I eat one of my coworkers. Happy Happyt Joy Joy

48 days and I am just plain TIRED!!!

So, I am now 7 weeks out from Ironman Arizona. Ironman training is like being in a relationship. There are so many emotional ups and downs that I can't keep up. This week, I'm tired and just emotionally drained. With trying to keep up with work, training, coaching, eating and laundry (let's not even discuss it), it's been hard. I wasn't able to get in a long ride this weekend due to I had to work. I was able to get my long run in but it was AWFUL I tell you, but I got through it. I don't remember training being like this, or maybe I am doing a complete mental block. I do that sometimes, a good defense mechanism. Some good things that happened in the past week: My swimming is slowly improving where I feel that I am going to be AMAZING barring any leg cramps. I am dilligently working with Coach Allan and practicing everything he is telling me like a saint (I so am not). I felt amazing in my second CompuTrainer session of the week. It was hard, don't get me wrong, but something just clicked. My hands no longer hurt (you don't realize how much you use your hands until you try to drain a pot of pasta-don't ask). Also, my friend Skip took me to dinner on Saturday night at Leonardo's. I have a weakness for mushroom risotto....yummmmmmm. I just have to keep telling myself with everything that is happening, it is all for a reason. And that reason is Ironman Arizona and crossing that finish line with a big ass smile on my face. I am hoping this week goes so much better than last week...only 14 days before I unleash my marathoners onto the Chicago Marathon Course. I feel so proud of each and every one of them. I guess I'm doing something right when everything else is falling apart. : (

55 days: 20 miles/100 miles/Head Wind/Egg McMuffin??

So it is now 55 days until I race Ironman Arizona. This weekend was a HUGE Breakthrough for me. Let's start with Saturday. Saturday While everyone else probably was hungover, sleeping or getting ready for all of the college football games, I was preparing to run 20 miles with our Marathoners. We are literally 3 weeks away from the Chicago Marathon. Don't get me wrong, but I am not racing Chicago. I just train aweswome, fabulous athletes for it. It was such a beautiful day and I was loving every moment of it. See, I'm known as the happy runner and I say hello to everyone, smile, thank volunteers, whatever it is that will make a runner feel a little better about running 20 miles. After the 20 miler, I decided to walk from FFC Gold Coast to Osteria Via Stato for a quick lunch (I'm not really good at eating before I run, etc.) before swim practice. I felt really good after the run, not sore-crazy, right? So, what did I eat? The entire bread bowl with olive oil to dip it in, white bean spread with crostini AND a mushroom and fennel pizza. Oh yeah!!!! Swim practice: Oh, just 1800 yards. Felt good. Went home and decided to do: Laundry, carbo load and watch World War Z. That's how you prepare for a century ride. SUNDAY 100 miles of riding on a bike from Evanston to Kenosha and back. THe weather was nice (mid 60s and sunny) so that was promising. My friend Sally picked me and Beeker, my bike up and we headed to Evanston. Ok, now I had a total panic attack. I am REALLY, REALLY nervous about biking and this was to be a total confidence booster for me. Sally gave me so many tips to help me and I almost damn near cried. I don't get a lot of time outside riding due to my work schedule and I need BLOCKS of time (4-5 hours) NOT 1 hour here or there. Getting started, I was shaking so badly. I tried to think of 1 pedal stroke at a time and the one thing that helps is when I start singing (in my head) Prince songs. I decided on the album, "Parade" you know, the one from the "Under the Cherry Moon" soundtrack. Don't hate! You know you liked that album. I started to feel a little more comfortable, however the wind would not let up. It was like Arizona 2012 all over again, but without the pretty Red Rock Mountains. I made it to aid station #1 and I still felt like I was going to have a massive panic attack again. I ate a banana, had some gatorade, refilled my water and went off again. The next aid station was at mile 35 where they had Egg McMuffins, no really. I was starting to feel a little better but I still feel as if I am not a strong rider. I kept up with some others in our big gang of athletes. Ok, I did it. I still had 65+ more miles to go. Aid Station #3 (mile 57) was where we would see Susie and Ollie (a wonderful little puppy). That would be Kenosha, WI. Oh shit!!! The wind would not fucking let up. It was hell. I tried to keep my cadence up and just kept riding. I couldn't stop. The route was very well marked. Somewhere in this stretch, something happened. I started hauling ass and becoming a cyclist. I was attacking hills-is this me??? I know I somehow dropped my riding buddies but ended up riding with this one couple. We took turns pulling and it was A-MAZING!!!!! At one point, I passed my friends who were on the side of the road. I heard one of them say, "Hey, that's Joy!!!!" I don't know but I think I channeled my inner bad ass super hero!!! As soon as I saw Susie and heard the cowbell, I was good. I ate a little more (Peanut butter filled pretzels are the SHIT as well as cream of mushroom soup). Don't ask. We decided to take off since we had to make it #4. That would be 75ish miles. This was the hardest one getting out of due to the traffic. Oh, let me digress some...we were not in a good portion of Kenosha. Potholes for days. Now, back to heading to Aid Station #4, I have no idea where the Hell I was until I saw the Illinois State line. Hell yeah!! I tagged along with a guy named Vern, his friend Juliette and her husband. They were from Lombard and they did Ragbri (look it up). They were good to ride with. We took turns pulling and had a lot of fun just chatting. At one point, Vern looked and me and told me, "Don't let anyone tell you that you are not a good rider." That meant a lot. I'm with all of these amazing athletes and I sometimes feel like the slug of the group. At some point I dropped them and started riding with this guy who did the Seattle to Portland bike ride. We stayed together the whole way taking turns pulling and chit chatting. An awesome dude. Finally Aid Station #4. And who do I run into-my coworker who hauled ass to catch up. He's really that good. And also my friend Carol. Now around this time is when my inner thighs were seizing up but I kept going. I think that I didn't have enough electrolytes-damn gatorade (long story). I refilled my bottles some more and decided to take off with Carol. Trying to keep up with her was HARD but I did my damndest. Now at this point, we had to be careful going into Ft. Sheridan. You had to stop at every intersection, stop sign, stop light or risk getting a $150 ticket. Ain't happening. At this point, I causght up to the original couple and we are pulling again like crazy. The wind just would not stop!!!! I was starting to fatique. I could have taken a sag Vehicle but why the Hell would I. I had to do this for me, not anyone else. I made it to Aid Station #5, where all my buddies were but only to stop and start again, very quickly. This was suppose to be it! At this point, my friends left me and I was by myself for a while until I saw 2 hot guys and I decided to haul ass to catch up with them which I did. The one guy asked, "Why are you breathing so hard?" Me: " To catch y'all" So we stayed together, caught up with my friends and it just became, let's get this done. What should have been just 10 miles, was way more than that. I knew we were home free once I saw Evanston Memorial Hospital (or some name like that), I knew we were around the corner, over the woods and through the river. I just wanted off my bike and to get some food. By time I got off my bike, a smile broke out over my face. I went straight for the peanut butter filled pretzels before I got my finishers certificate. When the guy asked me my name, I told and he looked at my like, wait, your last name really is "Miles"? Yeah!!! After I finally got home, I took a shower but it took me forever to get those damn compression sleeves off my legs. After I changed into non-workout clothes, I went around the corner to my favorite Thai place, Indie Thai and ate the following: Shrimp Shumai, Shrimp Pad Thai, 3 pieces of Unagi and Crab Rangoon. Yeah, I was hungry. Went home to feed my cats and went to sleep. Around 1am, I woke up because I had to ice my hands. Why?? I don't wear cycling gloves and my hands swelled up to little sausages. So now we are to Monday. What did I learn or gain from this? 1. My friends are friggin AWESOME!!! The support was what I really needed. 2. Yeah, I rode 100+ miles in tri shorts! And my taint did not hurt!!! 3. I am much stronger than I thought. I just needed this as a little confidence. 4. This also helped my self esteem a whole HELL of a lot 5. I will CROSS the Finish line of the IMAZ. 6. Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels will be in my special meeds bag for the bike. I think that is it.

59 days: Have fun like a kid!

A lot of you do not know that I coach children's swimming. Yesterday was the first day of me back in the saddle coaching after a month and a half break. It was fun observing how excited and enthusiastic (well, most of them), about jumping in the pool. The first day is usually me evaluating them, trying to find what their skill level is at. I had some who went down and back (our pool at my club is only 17 yards), some only went half way and one girl told me straight up that she wanted to do Zumba. I convinced her this was a better option. Don't worry, I know her from previous sessions. Once they went through their evaluations, I spoke with them on what to expect. After that, I let them have free time (i.e. pool party play time). Just watching them play gave me a reminder to have some fucking fun in this crazy training called Ironman. There were kids who were afraid of the deep part of the pool (4 feet, hey , he's only 5) but he saw everyone else laughing and having fun so he joined in and guess what? He made it to the deep end. So, this morning, I knew what the CompuTrainer workout was going to be so I had my iPOD playlist created called Course ride mojo-this was an interval ladder workout consisting of a 15 minute warmup, 5 minutes to recalibrate and then 2 min at 75%, 2 min at 100%, 2 min at 75%, 2 min at 110%, 2 min at 75%, 1 min at 120%, 2 min at 75%, 1 min at 130%, 2 min at 75%, 30 sec at 140%, 2 min at 75% and then repeat this in reverse, but then we had 10 minutes at 90%. Somewhere around minute 6, I started having fun. I was in aero position for the full minutes and just rocking out to "Din Daa Daa" by George Kranz and "I Decided (the disco remix)" by Solange. This is what training is suppose to be-FUN!!! This is what I will be taking with me the remaining 59 days. It took a group of 5-9 year olds to remind me of that. So what is my full Course Ride Mojo playlist? *"C'est la vie (Fedde vs MartinClub Mix) from Azuli presents Ibiza 2008 Unmixed edition *"Conduction (Contains Accapella of Ladybug Mecca "Dogg Starr")from Om: Winter Sessions (disc 2) *"Din Daa Daa" by George Kranz *"Falling (Original Mix)" by Soulmakers *"Fever (Paul Woolford Mix)" from Om: Winter Sessions (Disc 1) *"Flawless (Go to the City)" by George Michael *"Get Right (Featuring Fabolous)" by Jennifer Lopez *"I Decided (Moto Blanco Edit)" by Solange *"Crown Royal (Shelter Remix)" by Jill Scott *"Oye Mi Canto (Original Dirty Mix)" by N.O.R.E. featuring Nina Sky, Tego Calderon, Gemstar & Big Mato *"Shotgun (featuring Camille Jones)" by Fedde le Grand

62 days: 6 + 2 = 8 and add 1 to equal 9 weeks to go

Ignore the fact that I am a numbers person with the title of this post. A lot of people around me are stressing out-they are not even racing. Why people??? Why??? Come on, I am the one putting in all of the hours of training, eating (getting better), sleeping (not really), but I guess they are living vicariously through me. Oh, this is funny as hell. Anyhoo, let's do a week in review here: the good, the bad and the downright ugly: The good: I had the BEST 2 mile swim in Lake Michigan on Monday when it was oh, 93+ degrees outside. Yeah, I got admonished because I swam by myself, but I got it done. Oh, and by the way, this hot chic damn nearly caused a bike accident with 3 bikers when I was coming out of the lake (I was wearing a workout bikini). The bad: CompuTrainer round 2-this shit was HARD!!!! 5, count them 5 7-minute intervals starting at 95% of our threshold up to 115% with a 3 minute interval in between each. I pushed through until the third interval when I dropped my power down to 175 from 192. Then, I came to my senses. I jacked it back up to 199. I'm training for Ironman. I'm a gladiator!! (Sorry for the Scandal reference). The UGLY: Not one, but multiple nose bleeds in the past 3 days and leg cramping that is not easing up from an 18 mile run. That's all I have to say about that. So what do I have on the radar for this week? Oh, a swim tonight at 5:30pm with Coach Allan (preparing to get my ass handed to me), a 6 mile, 8 mile and a 20 mile run, 2 CompuTrainer classes,2 more swims and a 100 mile OUTDOOR bike. I am actually scared of how my body will feel after the 20 mile run going the next day into a 100 mile bike. NO PAIN, NO GAIN!! Quote for the week: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill Song for the week: "Keep On Going" - Vivian Green

70 Days: A gaggle, a Divvy and an Expo-Oh My!

Today marks the 70 day countdown before IronMan Arizona. Work is getting very busy now. Although triathlon training is over for our athletes, I am still training athletes for the Chicago Marathon. The 20 miler is slowly coming around the corner. How did that happen? Hold up, how did September just sneak up on us? Can I get a Summer do over PLEASE? Oh wait, we are going into the 90s for the next 2 days-nevermind. A Gaggle: A gaggle of geese that is. On this past Wednesday, I knew that I had to go to FFC Lincoln Park to coach CompuTrainer but I didn't want to double back on a 6 mile run to hop on a bus through CUBS traffic. Have you been in East Lakeview/Wrigleyville during a CUBS game? Exactly! So, to kill 2 birds with one stone, I decided to run with my marathoners to Lincoln Park with a 25 pound backpack on my back. I know, what was I thinking. I wasn't, I just had to do it and I also consider that strength training. Now, where does this gaggle of geese come in? Well, if you live in Chicago and you take the running path South towards the North Avenue Bridge, you will pass Lincoln Park Zoo and Grant's statue. In between was a gaggle of geese or more like a gang in the middle of the path. I was like, "Oh crap!." You see, geese and I haven't liked each other since I tried to beat them down when I was about 2. True story per the parents or was it ducks. Anyway, they decided to move out my way and I made to FFC Lincoln Park. From the path off of Addison to the club is 4.23 miles. Thank you Garmin! A Divvy: So Divvy is the bike sharing program in Chicago. I needed to get to the Chicago Half Marathon Expo on Saturday after my 13 mile run so I decided to rent a Divvy. I LOVE Beeker, my road bike. I LOVE him alot. Divvy is really heavy, cumbersome and only has 3 gears. Perfect to bebop around the city, but not for speed. Really-I tried. I can truly say that I committed bike sin #1: I didn't wear a helmet. I know. Sorry?? I did make it to Navy Pier, albeit a little late and very sore. Rules to working an expo after a long run: bring a foam roller,use foam roller, bring food or have someone bring it for you like my friend Skip did for my on Friday. Oh, and wear compression tights, although I was wearing sleeves, they really didn't help. An Expo: The Chicago Half Marathon Expo was this past Friday and Saturday at Navy Pier in Festival Hall B. First, I dislike Navy Pier. Tourists, go visit it. Me, nope! The Expo was much smaller than last year with a significant amount of vendors missing. Maybe it is the sign of the times, but come on. This is my retail therapy. I got to see my buddies from Newton Running Company, Fleet Feet and Life Time Fitness, but not a lot there. Not even food. At least have samples of nutrition bars, gels, blocks. Hopefully the Chicago Marathon Expo will be MUCH BETTER!! The good thing about the expo was I got to hang out with my Team to End AIDS buddies and run my mouth off about Endurance Training oh and did I forget about Starbucks, oh yeah. So this week I have 18 miles for the marathon (my training plan says 15), 100 mile bike (I need to figure this one out-hmmmm, hello CompuTrainer) and a 2.4 mile swim-Lake Michigan, you better take a bottle of "Act Right!" That's just the nitty gritty of everything. And that is not including teaching, training or coaching. : P I can do this! My favorite quote and song to get me through this week: Quote: "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Song: Breathe by Telepopmusik AND....we're off!

75 days and a bag of pretzels!

Yes, it is now 75 days until Ironman Arizona! What's with the bag of pretzels? I am downing right now a 4 1/4 oz bag of Rold Gold Pretzel thins because I need the CARBS!!! CARBS-Me want NOW!!! So what if it is 4.5 servings! I earned it after an 18 mile run yesterday (it was suppose to be 16-don't ask) and today a hard spin class that I taught and then 23.58 miles of the Big Foot Bike Course on CompuTrainer. I'm feeling better about how things are going. Yes, I am being selfish because I need some time to myself to train. Oh, and wait, I have had on average of 4.5-5 hours of sleep within the past 3 days. Now this, is epic! Why? I only average normally 2 hours of sleep a night. I know, this is NOT ideal for training for an Ironman but I have ALWAYS been like this. Now, I am going to get ready to train my Pilates Group of 3 women and 1 single client while I try not to fall on my face. Everything HURTS!! Go Hard or go home!

School's back in session and hug-bys: 77 days!

This past week in Chicago, we had the Chicago Triathlon on Sunday (and I was so proud of my athletes!), public and private schools starting this week and the start of me doing twice a week CompuTrainer! Yeah, I'm on a mission. Not a mission from God (That's a Blues Brothers reference, watch the movie!). But my mission, that I have accepted is to cross the finish line of Ironman Arizona smiling and maybe doing a dance or a pushup or 2. Crazy? No!! It's kind of funny when people ask me about why I am doing this race again, I turn around and ask them, "Why not?" Don't tell me what I can't do because I will prove you wrong or try my damndest to prove a point. It's the Leo and Year of the Ox in me. So where is my head at, right now? I feel ok. I had my ass served to me on a silver platter by one of our Endurance Swim Coaches. He found 2 goofy things going on with my stroke. Will be working on that for the next 77 days! Now what the Hell is a Hug-by? Well, when you are running on the lakefront path in Chicago (it's beautiful) and you see a friend running in the opposite direction, you look both ways and do a hug-by! I did it once the week before and twice on yesterday. Let me now get back to work to train my next Pilates client. Tomorrow is Labor Day and I have a do over of my 16 mile run from yesterday and a 2 mile swim. And of course get some work done.

Still in the 90s

Not the temperature silly, but in terms of days. This week has been challenging-in a good and bad way. Let's start with Sunday-woke up with the migraine from HELL!!! I was seeing red and black auras, light sensitivity (thank you Rudy Project for my prescription sunglasses), very cranky and couldn't eat. What was I suppose to do? Well. What I normally do-I went to work. I don't have an option, I'm a trainer (Pilates, marathon, triathlon). So, I went into the gym looking like total shit and went for it. I thought that I would die...no, really. Tried to eat and failed so I survived on coffee only. Wonderful weight loss...not. Tried resting, that didn't help either. Fast forward to Monday. Still felt like shit but I pushed on like most athletes. I'm more of an Amazon than athlete. : p I knew that I had to coach so I was ok, sort of but I did receive some great news! I got into the USAT Level I coaching clinic in Raleigh, NC. YAY me, nay bank account. Tuesday, my migraine will not go away but I am still working out, training and coaching. Can't stop-won't stop! I am a stubborn person. Wednesday and Thursday...meh!Ran a little under 25 miles in 4 days...what is going on? Migraine downgraded to a lowly headache. Oh Joy! Friday-Payroll day but I found time to get an hour swim in. Saturday-14 mile run with my marathoners followed by coaching a 2 hour swim practice. Sunday, I crashed after training and coaching for 4 hours! Wow, I don't usually sleep that much. Now we are back to Monday. We are 6 days from the Chicago Triathlon where my athletes will be ccompeting. I am so proud of them and that is what keeps me going. 13 weeks!

Oh Shit! 100 days

Today is the 100 day mark before my second attempt at the Ironman Distance in Tempe, AZ. I failed in my first attempt but I now know what to expect. My running and swim training have been GREAT! My cycling is improving, I mean, I got out by myself (shocker)on the Lakefront Path here in Chicago and headed up to Evanston and back twice. There was a lot of fear but I got over it quickly. I felt free and happy for the first time. I only had my thoughts keeping me company along with a bunch of Prince songs in my head. I am worried however. What I am most worried about is how the increase in training is affecting my personal life. Wait a minute, what personal life. I work (I'm a Pilates trainer, swim coach, triathlon coach, marathon coach and group exercise instructor AND a coordinator). I still haven't figured out that work/life balance. I'm a workaholic. There, I admitted it. I am there for everyone as there rah rah cheerleader, helper, etc...but I am slowly realizing that I need someone to be that for me as well. I have a lot of people rooting for me, and they know my fears (the bike, more money to enjoy my lifestyle, always worrying about work) and my quirks (I love coffee and my Kindle). I believe in my heart that I will finish but I do have those doubters who come out and tell me that I'm not good enough, why the hell am I doing this, blah blah blah. That's what I hear. So, it's now time to kick it up a notch or 2 or 100. It's time to kick a whole lot of ass and take names, but first I need to go home, get some dinner and get ready for a 12 mile run tomorrow morning. #imaz2013orbust #fierceandforty #vengeanceisabitch